WAREHOUSE workers at a western suburbs distribution centre could be headed for industrial action after learning they are among the lowest paid in Melbourne.
Packers and forklift drivers at the Polar Fresh Coles Laverton Distribution Centre are paid a base rate of $23.81 per hour — $6.35 less than those doing similar work for Woolworths in Broadmeadows and $5.37 below IGA cold store workers in Laverton.
Unlike their counterparts, Polar Fresh workers do not receive shift loadings for their whole shift. They are also paid less than those doing similar work supplying Coles in other parts of Melbourne.
Versacold at Laverton, which supplies Coles and Woolworths, pays a base rate of $27.40 per hour after 18 months and full shift loadings, while an Eastern Creek distribution centre for Coles pays $28.72 per hour and penalties for a whole shift.
National Union of Workers organiser Matt Toner said Polar Fresh workers were fighting for the same respect as other Coles workers.
“Our campaign is really just about justice and respect and it’s about making sure that these workers who work equally as hard as those other Coles workers — in, some would say, a more difficult environment, they’re in a cold environment — that they get treated with the same respect that other Coles workers get.
“If you work afternoon shift — that starts at 1pm and finishes at 9pm — you are only paid the loadings for the last three hours and that’s not the industry standard.
“We’re obviously trying to resolve this before it gets to strike or industrial action.”
Kealba single mother Kelly Gibbs said she was among those worst affected.
Part of the pay from her afternoon shift is spent on a babysitter for her primary-school age son.
“I’m a single parent basically just trying to make ends meet. I’m the only person who brings an income into the household.
“We all enjoy working at Polar Fresh — you know, it’s a good environment, we’re all like one big family. It’s just being paid lower wages compared to everybody else.”
Deer Park’s Tam Nguyen said a lot of employees were shocked to realise they were among the lowest paid warehouse workers.
Polar Fresh did not respond before the Weekly went to press.
